Woman claimed that a man approached her as she walked home alone and left her with scratch marks on arm and shoulder

An alleged early-hours assault in Fleet is being investigated by police officers, as a warning was issued advising people not to walk home alone after nights out.

The incident occurred in Victoria Road between 3am and 3.30am last Friday.

A 19-year-old woman reported that she was walking home alone after a night out when she was approached by an unknown man and assaulted, resulting in scratches to her upper arm and shoulder.

Detective Sergeant Karen Lillywhite from Hart and Rushmoor CID said: "We are currently working to establish the full circumstances of this incident and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and seen or heard anything that may assist our investigation.

"The woman was taken home by a taxi driver who was passing by at the time. We are particularly keen to speak to this driver as he may have significant information."

Hampshire Constabulary has warned those on nights out to think ahead and plan their journeys home by pre-booking taxis or arranging a lift with friends.

Anyone with information about the assault incident should contact Hart and Rushmoor CID by calling 101.

She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.